Two charged with arson in Logan fire

LOGAN, W.Va. — Two people have been charged in a fire occurring on March 26 in Logan.

According to a complaint filed by Shawn Anderson, WV State Fire Marshal Investigator, the City of Logan Fire Department responded to an odor of smoke in the area of 71 High Street. The fire department found a small exterior fire at a wooden utility door located on the “D” side of the occupied multi-family dwelling. The dwelling houses three separate residential apartments.

Anderson reports that he conducted an origin and cause scene examination and determined the fire arson. During the course of the investigation; he obtained video surveillance of a person leaving the area of fire origin within just a matter of seconds after the fire flashed.

Also during the course of the investigation, Anderson reported that he obtained a digital audio statement from an eye witness who was present when the offenses took place. The eye witness allegedly indicated Earnest Lee Plumley, 47, and Crystal Lynn Plumley, 32, both of Logan, had conspired in the witnesses’ presence to use gasoline from a storage container to set fire to the occupied multi-family dwelling.

Anderson reports in the complaint that the scene examination, along with the evidence obtained, corroborated the eye witness testimony.

Both Earnest Plumley and Crystal Plumley were charged with first degree arson and conspiracy. Their bond was set at $15,000 each. As of press time, both were still incarcerated in South Western Regional Jail.